Renault Captur review

Renault hasn’t disappointed with the latest Captur – performance is fine, running costs are sound, and the level of standard equipment is strong, so the small French SUV looks like a great choice. Buyers in this class demand style, flexibility and value for money, and the latest model underwent a complete overhaul to help it stand out in such a competitive crowd of rivals.

It may not deliver the dynamic drive of the Ford Puma, or the quirky design of the Peugeot 2008, but few models in this class deliver across so many key areas for customers. So, if you’re after a versatile, all-round performer, then the Renault Captur should definitely be at the top of your shopping list.

About the Renault Captur

Back in 2013, the small SUV market was just starting to take shape. The bigger Nissan Qashqai was a proven sales success and car makers realised how much drivers appreciated the crossover style of an elevated driving position matched with the compact dimensions of a five-door hatchback. Nissan was quick off the mark to enter the space below its Qashqai with the launch of the supermini-sized Juke, although the Peugeot 2008, MINI Countryman and Ford EcoSport were also vying for new customers.

Renault spied an opportunity and applied the crossover formula to the underpinnings of  its best-selling Clio hatchback to create the original Captur. It wasn’t a sporty hatch, nor was it a mundane family wagon, instead the stylish Captur offered the lofty driving position of a proper SUV, increased space for the family, good levels of standard equipment and low running costs.

But, despite a facelift in 2017, the Captur was beginning to look a little long in the tooth, especially when compared to the tech-laden Peugeot 2008, the dynamic Ford Puma and a trio of quality Volkswagen Group rivals in the shape of the Skoda Kamiq, SEAT Arona and VW T-Cross. As if that wasn’t enough to contend with, there’s also the leftfield Fiat 500 X. 

So in 2020 a new model was introduced, and Renault has got the basics right by ensuring the latest Captur remains relatively good value – prices start from around £22,500, rising to £35,000 for the top-spec plug-in hybrid version. It sits on the same CMF-B platform as the latest Clio, which is a good thing as this brings extra quality to the way the Captur steers and a comfortable ride for all on-board.

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The five-door Captur is 110mm longer, 19mm wider and 17mm taller than the model it replaced, adding much-needed interior space for the family, while there’s a wider grille and LED lights at the front and rear, helping it to cut a more impressive figure on the road. Customers that wish to really stand out from the crowd are well catered for, too, with a choice of 13 exterior body colours.

Renault continues to aim the Captur strictly at urban life. Engine choices consist of a petrol engine, a full-hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. The base engine is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TCe90 petrol that produces 89bhp, and comes paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The E-Tech Hybrid 145 uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.2kWh battery that charges itself. Renault claims the hybrid Captur can cover up to 80 per cent of urban drives in electric mode at up to 40mph, as well as 'coast' with its engine off at speeds above that. The range-toppping plug-in hybrid Captur E-Tech 160 is also a 1.6, but has a 9.8kWh battery and the ability to cover around 30 miles on electricity alone. Both hybrid versions have automatic transmissions only.

Trim levels for the Captur have been changed a few times since its launch, but the current line-up offers the choice of Evolution, Techno, R.S. Line or E-Tech Engineered. Standard equipment across the range is excellent, including cruise control, rear parking sensors, a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and integrated sat-nav.

The small SUV class is aimed at the growing family looking for style, space and plenty of safety kit. Renault has ticked all three boxes, but particularly the latter, as all models feature a host of equipment designed to protect and secure the driver, passengers and pedestrians when on the road.

Used and nearly new

With the Mk1 Renault Captur having been around since 2013, and the Mk2 small SUV launched in 2020, so there’s plenty of choice for buyers seeking a used example with a particular engine/trim combination. You'll notice the cheaper feeling interior and dated tech in the early cars, but if you're looking for a good-looking compact crossover that offers decent space and is easy to drive, the Captur should be of interest.

Renault Captur history

Renault Captur Mk1: 2013-2019

Small, compact SUVs like the Renault Captur offer buyers the chance to move out of a supermini and benefit from a little extra practicality and a slightly elevated driving position. The Mk1 Captur was based on the 4th-generation Clio, and its good looks and additional space had instant appeal with buyers. It lacked a little sparkle inside, but equipment levels and engines were solid, which meant it offered real family-friendly appeal and was a sales hit for the French manufacturer. Read our full Mk1 Renault Captur buyer’s guide here…

For an alternative review of the Renault Captur, visit our sister site Carbuyer.co.uk...